2017 is a special year in the history of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul. Fifty years ago they opened their mission in Peru – in El Progresso, Carabayllo. While the official celebration takes place December 10 in Peru, Sisters and Associates began to commemorate the event in September.

November 23, 2016 Sister Diane Brennen and Sister Gayle Desarmia left Kingston for a two-week visit with the Sisters and Associates in Peru. Besides spending time with both the Sisters and Associates, they had the opportunity to see the Marillac Mission Fund at work.

News from Carbayllo

BY SISTER SARA AND PROVIDENCE ASSOCIATE ELSA LEGUIA

For six years we have been working in the rural town of “Fray Martin”. Many families here have come from different areas in the country-side, like the sierra, the jungle and the coast. Many are young families, but there are also single moms.

There are no water and sewer utilities yet in the village. Nevertheless, there is hydro. There are no schools or health clinics. There are many children between the ages of 0 – 8 years.

For six years we have been working in this village. With thanks to the Congregation's donations and the work that people have done, we were able to build a small and rustic wooden chapel.

In the month of November we celebrated St. Martin de Porres. It is in this month that we have many baptisms and first communions. This year we also welcomed children younger than eight years old to participate. We bought them toys, books and puzzles.

The parish is inclusive. In these times, it is necessary to promote human rights.

Children are the best receivers of this message. They know that Jesus, Our Lord wants everyone to be happy, especially the children. The theme “Jesus and the children” motivated us to organize a walk on the streets (with posters that reflected this topic) to promote their rights.

On July 23rd, our topic was “The Peru We Love”. Many families participated. Children were very happy raising their posters and the sun warmed us with its heat.

After the walk, we went to the chapel to share lunch. “May you never lack bread on the table”, “Nourish them” (Mark 6-37).